Those Ever-Present Orange Cones
If you have ever driven on any road, whether it is an eight-lane interstate highway or a back country road, you know that you do not have to travel too far without encountering potholes and rough patches of asphalt or concrete. And not only that, it seems that some roads are always under construction. Those orange cones are as permanent as the landscape alongside the road. Sometimes the road construction project is so large that the road is closed and it requires us to take a detour, adding to the frustration.
Despite the constant road repair projects, many roads are still in bad condition. Not only are many roads we drive on full of potholes and rough surfaces, life too has its rough and bumpy patches. Our path is often under also construction, requiring us to carefully navigate through the orange cones or get off at the next exit and take a detour. The confidence and peace you had as you were cruisin’ down the road listening to the radio has now turned to fear and worry, frustration and discouragement, hopelessness and despair.
Two truths can be made from the reality that life’s potholes and detours are unavoidable. First, Jesus tells us that following Him does not promise smooth travels. Let’s look at what Jesus tells His disciples when they were worried about what would happen after He left them. In John 16:33 we read this, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus makes it clear that life will not always be easy, but that He is bigger than any earthly pothole, and putting your trust in Him will give you peace and help you navigate, sometimes through and sometimes around, the pothole. This leads me to the second truth, and that being God is always with you. He isn’t like the car repairman that you only call when your car needs alignment after driving on roads full of potholes.
When God chose Joshua to succeed Moses in leading the people into the Promised Land, here is what He told them to calm their fears. Turning to Deuteronomy Chapter 31, in verse 3, God promises to give the people victory just had He had done in the past. Then in verse 6, we read these reassuring words, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” And in verse 8 we see a similar message, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
So, today, regardless of the condition of the road you are currently on, or what the road up ahead looks like, rest assured that Jesus is with you and that He can get you through any and every situation you encounter along life’s journey. Will you trust Him fully today?
If you are encouraged by this or any of my writings, you can subscribe to be notified by email when I post something new. To subscribe, click here. Once you put in your email address you will then get an email confirming that you wish to subscribe. Thank you.